Proposed Nove Townhomes. {City of Margate}
In a vote that could reshape a quiet corner of Margate, city officials have approved a new development project despite vocal opposition from residents concerned about traffic, noise, and loss of green space.
During the October 16 meeting, the Margate Commission agreed at a second reading of an ordinance allowing Fimiani Development to accept a rezoning and site plan application.
Fimiani plans to redevelop a 21.3-acre golf course into a 132-unit townhouse called Nove at Margate. The goal is to subdivide parcel 4 of the Oriole Golf and Tennis Section into 132 townhouse lots and areas for recreation and drainage.
The townhomes will be sold, not rented, according to the city.
According to city staff, Fimiani’s proposal for a residential development with beautiful architecture, landscaping, and various amenities for future residents in the south area of Margate on State Road 7, which has not had much residential development in recent years, is seen as a positive step.
Proposed Nove Townhomes. {City of Margate}
Marilyn Kneeland of Keep Margate Green said the project would not be suitable for this area of Margate, and resident Tracy Vanwinkle said the luxury homes would be sold to families and would benefit the community. She was angered that so many speakers did not want children in their community.
During public comments, residents spoke against the project and said it would lead to more traffic, more noise from families with children and teenagers, and a loss of green space. Some residents said if housing was to be built on the site, it should be restricted to 55 and over.
Mayor Tommy Ruzzano and Vice Mayor Arlene Schwartz were the two “no’s” against the project.
Schwartz said that Fimiani is a “nice man,” but he doesn’t live where the project would be built. Thousands of people have signed petitions against the project, and residents nearby don’t want a large development near their homes.
Commissioner Anthony Caggiano voted in favor of the project. He said the developer jumped through every hoop the city, county, and state asked of him over five years. Caggiano believed if the commission had voted no, the city would have been sued, and something less desirable might have been built there.
“They are going to build something that is beautiful, and it will bring positive economic activity to the area,” said Caggiano.
Commissioner Joanne Simone said residents should accept the townhome project because the alternative would be a recreation park that would bring even more people and traffic to the area.
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